“These trials have successfully run overseas and I’m worried the government is going to pussyfoot around it and not get on with it,” Mr Hill said.

“The public needs educating on this issue. I had to go through a tragedy to realise how vital medical cannabis is.”

An army of users have come forward in recent months claiming the much-maligned drug can be more effective than pharmaceuticals in treating pain relief, nausea and even intractable epilepsy in children.

Not everyone is so convinced.

Riverina Cancer Centre radiation oncologist Dr Anupam Chaudhuri said he remained ambivalent about the clinical benefits.

“It is quite common for patients to ask us about using it,” he said.

“There are some definite studies around the world that show benefits for relieving pain and anti-nausea.

“But there are legal drugs that can help with these issues, especially pain relief.

“It means there is not quite the justification for us to recommend (medical marijuana).”

However, he said if it was legalised and its dosages regulated, he would have “no problem” in prescribing it to patients.